Edgartown Town Column

I would like to thank everyone who made the Red Stocking Fund such a success this year. With a large increase in recipients this year, I was so worried about toys for everyone, but the Island came through as it always does, taking care of each other when there is a need and I am grateful to everyone who helped us meet the need.

I wish that I was feeling profound and spiritual as I write this, as it is the last column before Christmas, but instead I'm feeling pressured and stressed. Like everyone else, I'm short on time and long on to do lists.

So, given the times that, contrary to Bob Dylan, aren't a'changing much and my lack of news and definite lack of inspiration I'll leave you this week with the lyrics to "Belleau Wood," a beautiful song written by Garth Brooks and Joe Henry, written about a time in the past but still, unfortunately, apropos during this holiday season. The words are moving. I only wish that you could all hear it as well. Have a joyous and beautiful holiday with your friends and loved ones.

Oh, the snowflakes fell in silence
Over Belleau Wood that night
For a Christmas truce had been declared
By both sides of the fight
As we lay there in our trenches
The silence broke in two
By a German soldier singing
A song that we all knew

Though I did not know the language
The song was "Silent Night"

Then I heard my buddy whisper,
"All is calm and all is bright"
Then the fear and doubt surrounded me
'Cause I'd die if I was wrong
But I stood up in my trench
And I began to sing along

Then across the frozen battlefield
Another's voice joined in
Until one by one each man became
A singer of the hymn

Then I thought that I was dreaming
For right there in my sight
Stood the German soldier
'Neath the falling flakes of white
And he raised his hand and smiled at me
As if he seemed to say
Here's hoping we both live
To see us find a better way

Then the devil's clock struck midnight
And the skies lit up again
And the battlefield where heaven stood
Was blown to hell again

But for just one fleeting moment
The answer seemed so clear
Heaven's not beyond the clouds
It's just beyond the fear